When I was a senior in high school back in 2021, while serving on the student council I had the opportunity to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the planned new Emery High School building. In 2024, I was lucky enough to be able to be present at the ribbon cutting for the new building, which occurred on Monday, Sept. 9.
Kicking off the festivities, district superintendent Jim Shank welcomed those in attendance and recognized state Sen. David Hinkins and State Rep. Christine Watkins, as well as the Emery School Board. Shank then introduced the speakers who were Student Body President Demi Pitchforth, Emery Principal Steven Gordon and closing out the program was school board member Tracy Johnson.
Pitchforth opened her speech by thanking the community and workers for their support of the new building,” First, let me extend my heartfelt thanks to the dedicated members of the school board, passionate educators, the support of parents, the constructionists and the architects. Your tireless efforts and commitment have brought us here today.”
Pitchforth moved on to the legacy that is felt by Spartans both past and present,” Both of my parents graduated from Emery High, my dad in 1998 and my mom in 2001. Along with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and role models, it is truly an honor to continue the generational habit and be a part of the first graduating class from this new high school.”
Following Pitchforth, Principal Gordon provided attendees with a history of Emery High, starting in the 1960s. Reading from old school board minutes, Gordon shared,” After a review of the state board attorneys in 1962, it was recommended that a new senior high school be established in the Castle Dale and Orangeville area to accommodate children in grades 10 through 12, through the western part of Emery County.”
Gordon went on to explain that the new school merged both North Emery, whose primary color was red, and South Emery, whose color was blue, and wanted to be neutral of those two colors, resulting in the black and gold color scheme the school enjoys today.
“The main building with all the utility infrastructure was built in 1961 and 62. Which was 62 years old at the time of our demolition here this year.” Gordon continued,” The first phase of Emery High fields was approved in March of 2021. Because of the volatile construction market, the original design was downsized in January 2022, and approved in March of 2022. This portion of the building we now have behind us and around us was constructed in 28 months.”
Ending his time, Principal Gordon spoke highly of the new building,” We are so excited for the safety features of our new building to help keep our students and our faculty safe. That’s been A great blessing for us this year.”
Following Gordon’s remarks Johnson took the podium, first speaking on the appreciation she feels for EHS Spartans both old and current,” I want to recognize our amazing students, those who are past Emery High students, the future Emery High students. And of course, our current EHS Spartans. These students are the reason that we’re here today. Their curiosity, determination, passion and hope for the future is what motivates us as a school board.”
Johnson then spoke on the challenge that a major change like this new building can bring,” Change can be challenging, but it also brings new opportunities for growth and improvement. Our commitment to academics remains unwavering, the new classrooms and facilities are equipped with the latest technology and resources to enhance your learning experience.” Johnson continued,” We believe that a strong academic Foundation is essential for our future success. Whether you’re passionate about the arts, technology, sports or academics, there is a place for you here.”
Following the remarks, School Board Members, administrators and student council members gathered and cut the ribbon for the new building.
A full livestream of the ceremony is available on YouTube and can be found here.